Who We Are
Historic Ellicott City, Inc.
For over 50 years, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. has strived to preserve and restore the Ellicott City Historic District and other historic Howard County landmarks.
Founded in 1973, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) is a non-profit organization that has dedicated itself to the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of Ellicott City and Howard County. Over the years, HEC, Inc. has raised well over 2 million dollars in funds to protect and preserve historical landmarks, educate residents on the town’s history and advocate for policies and initiatives that support historic preservation at the local and state levels.
HEC, Inc. is best known for its decorator show houses, a fund raising initiative that has resulted in the restoration of historic homes and raised funds to support other preservation projects in Ellicott City and Howard County.
News & Advocacy
HEC’s New Office on St. Johns Lane
Historic Ellicott City, Inc. is pleased to announce that our administrative office has moved to the St. John's Cemetery Lodge on St. Johns Lane in Ellicott City, Maryland. If you have ever wondered about the little grey stone house next to the cemetery on St. John’s...
Tonge Row Project Completed with HEC Revitalization Grant Funding
Patapsco Heritage Greenway was the recipient of a grant made possible from proceeds from our 2018 Show House for repairs and restoration of the stone facade of their properties on Tonge Row in Old Ellicott City. HEC partnered with Preservation Maryland to create and...
Announcing Our Honorary 2019 Decorator Show House Chairs, Creig & Carla Northrop
33rd Annual Decorator Show House: Belle Vue at The Chase The Northrops have long supported Historic Ellicott City’s mission, as well as other causes within the community and beyond. Creig is currently a University System of Maryland Foundation board member and has...
2019 “Preview Party” Event
Join Us for Our 2019 Decorator Show House Preview Party Honorary Event Chairs Creig & Carla Northrop, Northrop Realty Thursday, September 19, 2019 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Located at Belle Vue at The Chase 11645 Vixens Path, Ellicott City, MD 21042 Valet Parking Only...
Events
Preservation Achievements
Preservation & Restoration Projects Over The Years
Historic Ellicott City, Inc.’s very first project was the restoration of the B&0 Railroad Station. HEC, Inc. and Howard County banded together to raise over $140,000 dollars to complete phase one of this project.
Over the years, HEC, Inc. has supported restoration efforts including the George Ellicott House, the Merryman Street (Thomas Isaac) Cabin and renovation efforts at Carrollton Hall. To learn more about our preservation achievements, explore the interactive history of each achievement by clicking the link below.
Contribute to Our Preservation & Restoration Mission
HEC, Inc. continues to actively find new fundraising projects and ways to support Ellicott City and Howard County preservation efforts so that future generations can understand and appreciate the history of our community. We hope you will consider participating in this effort with us.
Become a Member
Become a Volunteer
Donate to Our Cause
Visit Our Gift Shop
Fundraising Initiative
Annual Decorator Show Houses
Our passion for preservation is best known by our annual Decorator Show House. With over 30 successful show houses and counting, our efforts have led to successful partnerships with property owners in restoring our county’s historic homes and preserving them for future generations.
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